I think a student can safely take the SAT or ACT three times before any admissions officer will think twice about the scores. Since most colleges superscore, it’s almost always worth it to take the test twice. My older son’s math score went down the second time he took it, but the verbal went up to 800. Even though he was a math guy, I’m pretty sure it didn’t hurt him. He always made careless mistakes in math - every time he checked the question and answer service it would turn out that it was some 4th grade level problem that had done him in.
Thanks for that information, @tutumom2001. Couldn’t the school just include the ACT scores that students who have already taken it send in?
Our school has about 700 kids per class. Maybe it would get confusing. Maybe they want everyone on the same time-frame playing field. I don’t know. I just know that unless you’re on your deathbed, you’re expected to be there and take the test.
My DD did one of each and then a second time with the ACT as she preferred that format. I kinda think that’s a good strategy.
I’m going to work to make sure DS can opt out of the ACT. I really think his attitude towards it right now - he’s becoming resentful that he’d have to take it again - can only result in a lower score. I tried presenting it as an opportunity to get a 36 and well, uh, that didn’t go over so well. Especially since I think he sees the alternative as sleeping in LOL.
Scores generally improve on a second or third taking.
Scores generally improve after prepping.
Scores generally improve if the kid is older – teenager brains are still growing.
For all my kids, we had them take a base line/no prep SAT and ACT (which was free and required by the HS) in the spring junior semester. Those scores determined which test better suited the kid.
Prep for that test over the summer (fewest conflicts with school and ECs). Take that test on the first available date in the senior fall.
Money!!
“Couldn’t the school just include the ACT scores that students who have already taken it send in?”
At our HS, all the juniors have to take the mandated test during junior spring. That test score automatically goes onto the HS transcript (required I believe by state law). For kids who aren’t going for the most selective schools, that’s it for testing.
For the reach school kids, the HS allows kids to submit a different test score to be inserted on the transcript instead. And for most schools (but not all) you are not required to submit all test sittings.